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2017 Ford Escape

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Escape years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Ford Escape are substantially higher than the model-year median of 996.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,155 reports with mileage · 1,522 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 1,564 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 507 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 390 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

39 crash reports15 fire reports38 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

507 reports
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88,000 miles · Jul 15, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the coolant fluid was significantly low. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by a relative who replaced the spark plugs; however, the…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the coolant fluid was significantly low. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by a relative who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing an excessive amount of coolant fluid and needed to be refilled every three days. The contact stated that on one occasion, the warning light indicating that the engine was overheating had illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #11602298

100,175 miles · Jul 15, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to slow down to exit the Interstate and the vehicle started jerking and driving rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that coolant had leaked i…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to slow down to exit the Interstate and the vehicle started jerking and driving rough. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that coolant had leaked into cylinder #2, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After receiving the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact decided to trade the vehicle instead of repairing the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,175.

NHTSA ODI #11602266

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant was leaking into the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI #11601548

96,000 miles · Jul 9, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnos…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the short block. The dealer determined that the short block needed to be replaced, and the dealer related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI #11600422

130,000 miles · Jul 1, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact called on behalf of her boyfriend, who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was overheating. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road and inspect the vehicle; however, there was no coolant leak found. The vehicle was taken to an ind…

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The contact called on behalf of her boyfriend, who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine was overheating. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road and inspect the vehicle; however, there was no coolant leak found. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #11598071

84,000 miles · Jun 28, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the messages “Engine Overheating” and “LIMP Mode” were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced d…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the messages “Engine Overheating” and “LIMP Mode” were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to coolant leak into the engine. The contact believed that the failure was associated with Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #11597472

125,000 miles · Jun 28, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated became of a coolant leak on the driveway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure …

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated became of a coolant leak on the driveway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #11597450

83,000 miles · Jun 26, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and shut off. Additionally, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repair…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and shut off. Additionally, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop, and the contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to another auto body shop, and an oil change was performed, and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the engine, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the bottom of the engine needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle should not be driven to prevent a catastrophic engine failure. The mechanic informed the contact that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir nor the engine. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11596985

79,000 miles · Jun 26, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was excessive white smoke emanating from the exhaust. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Cus…

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The contact owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was excessive white smoke emanating from the exhaust. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 79,000.

NHTSA ODI #11596984

128,215 miles · Jun 25, 2024
Engine And Engine Cooling

The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repai…

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The contact called on behalf of his daughter who owns a 2017 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact's daughter was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 128,215.

NHTSA ODI #11596523

Official recalls

4

26V374000 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Jun 9, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Escape vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 16V617. The power-operated windows may exert excessive force when encountering an object, before they automatically reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A closing window that does not reverse direction as expected can pinch a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C29. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.

26V011000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

Jan 15, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed March 6, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S01. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 16, 2026.

22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

Jun 10, 2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.

Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.

16V617000 · Electrical System:software; Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Aug 24, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and injure it before the windows auto-reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

Consequence: If a window closes on a body part, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the power window operating system software, free of charge. The recall began on September 6, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C12.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Ford Escape problems